Fire Commissioners Waiting to Name Chief Search Committee

Public weighs in on cost, time frame and community “fit” in search for Chief Mike Harris’ replacement

Last night, at the beginning of the discussion regarding a new fire chief search, Fire District Commissioner Barbara Bedell read a written statement from  the commissioners, recognizing strong support for”a local individual.” The commissioners stated their objective to “proceed with due diligence. … recognizing the challenges of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue and the need for a chief that “fits well with the Orcas community.”

Bedell then announced that the Fire District Commissioners were hoping to finalize the search committee in executive session at the close of the public meeting.

Commissioner Jim Coffin said, “We — or rather you, Barbara — have quite a bit of work to do. It seems like a large burden, with tasks that I see need to be done in a relatively short order… such as revising the job description… that we can’t discuss in open session.”

Coffin went on to ask questions about the minimum qualifications and compensation for the Fire Chief’s position. “Before we solicit applications, we should pin that down; how?”

Commissioner Clyde Duke said that the previous Fire Chief search committee, which he chaired, looked at existing chiefs’ salaries from districts similar to Orcas Island. He said that the budget included $15,000 for “overlap” during the transition time of Chief Mike Harris departing and a new chief coming on board.

Coffin questioned the weight of recommendations coming from the search committee against those coming from the  commissioners, and asked “Do we want to give the committee free rein to make recommendations?”

Duke said, “We give them the outline with the parameters they’re working in.”

Coffin again voiced his preference for an “aspirational” statement to “address intangibles” during the search. Commissioner Bedell, who heads the current search effort, said that the committee would create such a statement.

The committee is to be composed of two community members, two Fire Department volunteers and one Fire Department staff person, as well as Dr. Michael Sullivan in an “ancillary” role.

In the public comments portion of the meeting, several in the audience questioned the  legality and the rationale for selecting the search committee members in executive session, which by law is allowed for personnel and property matters. Several made the distinction between a “committee” appointed by commissioners, and “personnel,” hired under an employment contract.

The Commissioners replied that they would be discussing potential committee members’ personalities, strengths and weaknesses, and Bedell said the Commissioners had talked about holding the committee selection during executive session, and felt they had the legal right to do so.

Others spoke of disappointment that more community members would not be included on the search committee. The need for a Fire Chief with professional experience as well as the ability to “fit in” with the community was emphasized by both the Fire District Commissioners and members of the public.

Duke defended the cost and time involved in a nationwide search, saying that while he had served under five chiefs, “It was only with Gary Bennett and Mike Harris that we’ve conducted a nationwide search. I feel responsible… that we need a process to protect the individual who’s selected.”

He added that a search can now be conducted more efficiently with internet communication.

In 2005, when Harris was selected, search committee members flew to Oregon to interview a candidate. It was asked if this search will involve long-distance travel to interview candidates. Bedell replied, “It’s been budgeted. It’s something the committee will have to look at.”

Duke mentioned that with 200 applicants “all qualified to do the job, the fit is critical. We think Orcas is paradise but it comes with its challenges.”

Ian Lister said that while he “appreciates Clyde’s response… but why not get public buy-in? I encourage you to go before the public with this process.”

Bedell confirmed that after the committee is formed, it will make the search and the fire commissioners will make the  final decision. “Ultimately it’s the board’s responsibility,” she said.

Many in the audience spoke of their support for Kevin O’Brien, an island resident who works for the Auburn Fire Department. O’Brien expressed his  appreciation for the “profound support” expressed at the meeting.

“The statement Commissioner Bedell read at the beginning of the meeting really fits. When you look at a public organization, it’s a big deal, in any climate, and especially in this downturn.

We are stewards of the public’s money, and it is a really big deal.

“I honestly have to say as a community member it would be best to have a good, involved search… I give great credit to the Commissioners and the process. It will be the best search.”

O’Brien said that currently, as a member of the Auburn Fire Department, he has observed that in its deputy chief search process, it is using many of the same methods and outlets for applicants. “That process is going quick.

“As important as Orcas Fire and Rescue is, we need to have a good search. I’ve appreciated the opportunity for a job, and been impressed with the growth and  development of the volunteers that have taken part in Orcas Fire. I’ve been blown away by how strong it is.”

He concluded his remarks to the meeting, saying to the Commissioners, “Thank you for your service; I think you’re doing a great job.”

The Commissioners were then asked how long it would take to decide upon a new chief,  once the committee is formed.

“The last one was eight weeks,” Duke said.

“I’d like to see it done sooner,” Bedell added.

The Commissioners ended the public meeting with an executive session to consider personnel matters, including the selection of the search committee. They announced their intention to name the Chief Search Committee members at the Nov. 22 Fire District meeting.